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WAYNE — Former Cedar Catholic High School standout Rex Becker recently completed his college career at Wayne State College on the gridiron.
As a Trojan, Becker was a four-year starter for coach Chad Cattau and Cedar Catholic and earned three years of All-State recognition in Class C2, was an All-District performer for three years and was Academic All-State his senior season with his high school alma mater.
The son of Chuck and Sue Becker left Cedar Catholic with school records in sacks with 26, a single-season record in sacks with 11.5 and most pancake blocks in a game with 20.
“It’s crazy to think that his career at Wayne State is already over,” Cattau said. “His dedication and work ethic have really been what has separated him from others. It’s not easy to balance playing a sport and getting your degree, but he did a remarkable job managing his time between the two. I am not surprised.”
His former coach went on to sing his former player’s praises.
“He represented Cedar Catholic and his family at a high level each and every day he was at Wayne State,” Cattau said. “That is what makes me the most proud of his career. He’s one of those kids you love to care about. He’s a Trojan.”
Becker grew as a Wildcat, but the growth and the experience at Wayne State were a mutual benefit for both.
“I loved my time at Wayne State,” Becker said. “I learned so much and so much about playing football, it was like getting a new family. My time here was the best, new lifelong friends, best decision I made.”
When he showed up on campus at Wayne State, his coaches weren’t sure what they had, but they found out exactly what Becker was all about.
“It was like we got this huge tree from a quality place and we had to see what that tree could become,” Wayne State defensive coordinator Scott McLaughlin said. “Stats will never show how valuable he was to this team; I really love the kid. Perfect teammate, hardworking, nose to the grindstone — I’m really going to miss him and we are going to miss him.” Becker took up two blockers a lot on every play the opposing offenses made for the past four years, and due to COVID-19, he technically could play one more year.
“I’ve worked on him all fall to give us another year,” McLaughlin said. “But I respect his decision; football is a big commitment and he is ready to get on with his life outside of the game.
“Our linebackers flourished the last three years and Rex and the defensive line were the main reason. They took care of blockers and our linebackers were free to find the ball. Did I say was going to miss him?”
In 2022, Becker had 39 tackles and 5.5 tackles behind the line of scrimmage and a fumble recovery, and made the fall Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) All-Academic Team.
In 2021, he played in 11 games for the Wildcats and had four tackles for a loss and three sacks, blocked a kick and forced a fumble.
The 2020 season was cancelled due to COVID-19.
His value his entire football career was really not defined by statistics.
“He’s just one of those kids you love to have on your team,” McLaughlin said.
